Monday, November 22, 2021

ALBEMARLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES, NOVEMBER 2021


The next virtual meeting of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association will take place in January 2022. The date has not yet been determined.
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These minutes from the recent meeting of the ANA on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, were written by Jannette Katz Gomori, Secretary.

Albemarle Neighborhood Association  
November 17, 2021 Zoom Meeting
Minutes  

Larry Jayson, President presided over the zoom meeting with 19 participants
Peter Gomori, Treasurer
Jannette Katz Gomori, Secretary

1.Community Officer Smiarowski began the meeting discussing recent attempted carjacking on Beverly Road and East 5 street on Tuesday evening, November 16. Perpetrators were not yet apprehended.

Theft from mailboxes was addressed. With the mailboxes being retrofitted, there has been diminished incidence of theft. However, there are thefts at the Fedex mailboxes. It is recommended that Fedex mailings be done at Walgreens site and other Fedex places. It is a citywide problem.

Shoplifting incidences are occurring with greater frequency at Walgreens. The arrest and release policy adds to the frequency of the incidences.

Amazon drop offs do not have the same theft problems

Car thefts are also occurring in Kensington when keys are left in the car.

The catalytic converter thefts were brought up.  If they do occur, please call police and if there is a problem filing a report, ask to speak to the Supervising Officer on duty.

2. Council-Elect Shahana Hanif was introduced. She was born and raised in Kensington. 
 
Her goals are to have a safe and clean neighborhood. She will ensure that trash will be regularly picked up. She hopes to restore funds to the Sanitation department. She wants to increase the role of ACE in maintaining the neighborhood, regarding trash pickup and graffiti removal. More trash baskets are needed. The composting program needs to be reinstated. 
 
Council-Elect Hanif has been meeting with the 39th district which is a large and diverse district. There have been “listening to” sessions. The flooding issue is a key priority. 
 
Collaboration with Robert Carroll and other agencies will be a priority in managing our district. 
 
The problem of the homeless at the Kensington Plaza needs to be addressed regarding people needing services, as well as garbage that accumulates.

3. Peter Gomori has contacted the owners of the vacant Rite Aid building and arranged to have graffiti removed. It appears that Rite Aid-Walgreens has the lease. There is neighborhood interest in having a legitimate business that would rent out building that has been left vacant for several years.

4. Dissatisfaction was expressed at the lack of cleanliness of storefront sidewalks and streets. Business owners should be held accountable for clearing garbage in front of stores. Especially noted was the garbage in front of a vacant store on Church Avenue between East 4th and East 5 street.

Rat and raccoon problems were cited in front of houses. Perhaps composting would alleviate this problem as well as keeping houses clean in outside areas. 
 
More garbage cans are needed, especially at the corner of McDonald and Albemarle Road.

The placement of bike stands was addressed as a danger to drivers and pedestrians especially on the corner of Church Ave and McDonald Avenue.

5. Interest in having more people attend Community 12 Board meetings that would better represent our community. 
 
There is a need for greater responsiveness of the 66 Precinct to our Kensington neighborhood.

6. Ocean Parkway Clean up efforts have been a success. There are new trash cans as well as a Jobox for tools and supplies for volunteers who choose to maintain cleanliness on Ocean Parkway. Talk to Peter Gomori regarding access to the Job box. Seasonal Park employees from the Parks Department have also been hired to assist with cleaning.

7. There will be a free art activity for children on East 5 street this Saturday to create plaques with statements regarding street cleanliness. Supplies for painting on wood plaques will be made available.

8. A dangerous situation was reported regarding a person on the middle of Ocean Parkway who has been continually creating a disturbance and is a danger to himself and others. If you notice this person, please notify the Police Precinct directly at 718 851 5611

8. The next ANA meeting will take place on zoom in January. The date will be determined. Suggested speakers for the next meeting include the Sanitation Department, and Commanding Office of Police Precinct 66

Respectfully submitted
Jannette Katz Gomori